IEEE C37.98-2013

IEEE C37.98-2013 is a seismic qualification standard for protective relays and auxiliary equipment used in nuclear facilities. It addresses how these components should be tested so their performance can be assessed under earthquake-related conditions that may affect safety-critical power and control systems. For engineers, specifiers, and procurement teams, this standard helps define a clear test basis for equipment expected to remain functional or meet required post-event expectations in demanding nuclear applications.

Overview of IEEE C37.98-2013

This standard focuses on seismic qualification testing for protective relays and auxiliary devices associated with nuclear facility systems. In practice, IEEE C37.98-2013 supports the evaluation of components that are part of protection, monitoring, and control arrangements in power, energy, and industrial applications. It is useful where equipment must be checked against defined vibration or earthquake conditions, helping establish a consistent technical basis for qualification, documentation, and acceptance decisions. The document is especially relevant when reliability and safety margins are critical.

Typical use cases

IEEE C37.98-2013 is typically used when qualifying protective relays, trip units, and related auxiliary devices for installation in nuclear plant electrical systems. It may also guide testing for control panels, relay assemblies, and other components that support protection functions in seismic environments. Common workflows include equipment selection, qualification planning, laboratory testing, and review of test results before procurement or deployment. It is most relevant to teams responsible for ensuring electrical protection equipment remains suitable for safety-related service conditions.

Why it matters

This standard matters because seismic qualification can directly affect equipment acceptance, operational reliability, and safety compliance in nuclear facilities. Using IEEE C37.98-2013 helps reduce uncertainty when comparing products, planning tests, or documenting conformance for protective relays and auxiliaries. It also supports more consistent engineering decisions by giving stakeholders a shared testing reference. For regulated projects, that consistency can simplify procurement and help limit the risk of installing devices that may not perform as expected during seismic events.

• Seismic qualification for protective relays
• Auxiliary equipment used in nuclear facilities
• Testing basis for safety-related electrical devices
• Support for compliance and acceptance review
• Engineering reference for qualification planning